Love's Predator (Love's Predator Trilogy Book 1)

by Paula Nicole

  Lindsey opened her mouth to interject, but a strong hand clamped down upon her shoulder. Kyle pulled her backwards, wrapping his arms around her waist, making Lindsey feel incredibly uncomfortable.

  “Hello Lynn, I wondered when you would be home,” Kyle said tiredly. “Lindsey and I were just about to have dinner. Would you care to join us?”

  “It’s a little early for dinner and I still have your Christmas tree to set up,” Lynn grumbled. “And you seem to have forgotten that we have company tonight.”

  “Oh,” Kyle sighed. He didn’t seem to welcome this news. “Yes, of course.”

  Lindsey’s eyes widened. “Guests?” She enquired, unable to keep the nervousness from her voice.

  Smiling, Kyle nodded. “Really important guests, my love,” he explained to her vaguely. “So you’d better be on your best behaviour. No more trying to escape.”

  “She tried to escape?” Lynn laughed loudly. She looked to Lindsey, shaking her head lightly.

  “The operative word being ‘tried’,” Kyle smirked, pulling Lindsey closer. “However she has learned that it is best to obey me, haven’t you my dear?”

  Lindsey looked down, giving a slow nod in reply. But questions burned within her.

  “Good,” Lynn grinned. “You’d be foolish to try and escape in the first place,” she jeered, but Lindsey just ignored her. “Kyle has been preparing for you for quite some time now, and even if you did somehow get out of here, he would track you down like a dog and drag you back here. Then he’d show you just how good you have it now.”

  Trembling slightly, Lindsey looked to Kyle, catching his eye. He smiled down at her softly and spoke to her in a low soothing voice. “What’s wrong, my love?”

  “Please, just let me go home,” Lindsey begged. “I’ll give you all your money back and more. No one would have to know!”

  Kyle bellowed a loud laugh and turned from her, gazing across at Lynn, who was stifling her own laughter.

  “Why darling,” Kyle said in an amused tone. “Do you not understand that you are mine? Even I don’t have a say in the matter.”

  Lindsey’s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red; all of a sudden images of Kyle’s lips upon her most intimate place flashed into her mind, making Kyle’s low, husky voice all the more alluring.

  “You are mine,” he hissed into her ear. “I wouldn’t give you up for all the power in the world.”

  Lindsey shuddered. She hoped that Kyle did not notice the effect he was having on her.

  “Now, come,” Kyle said at once. “You’ll need to dress up nicely for our company tonight, Lindsey.”

  He guided her through to the stairs, watching closely as Lindsey scurried up alone, glancing over her shoulder only once to check if he was still there. Kyle did not move until she had closed the bedroom door behind her.

  She laced her hands through her hair, heaving a deep sigh. Lindsey ran over what Lynn had said; that Kyle had paid for her. She felt faint at the thought and so laid herself down onto the bed. She pursed her lips, closing her eyes over.

  Who could sell another human being? What right did they have over someone else’s life? Her life…

  Lindsey shook her head, feeling hot tears stream down her cold, pale face. She felt so powerless; trapped in Kyle’s prison. He said that he loved her, that he wanted to marry her. Lindsey repeated his words over and over, still seeing his grin when he told her of his intentions. But she would not marry him. She would refuse! Then he could do nothing about it. If Lindsey said no, then no one could force her. She would rather she died than be his captive wife for all of her days.

  Reluctantly, Lindsey changed into a rich red dress with an encrusted rhinestone corset top. She looked at herself in the mirror, feeling so different to that young, confidant girl she was only days ago. Now she looked like a frightened child playing dress up.

  Kyle was breaking her, slowly tearing her apart from the inside and out. He wanted to own her, to make her his submissive plaything, like a bird in a cage for him to admire one day and jeer the next. But Lindsey would not submit; she was going to escape. If only she could convince a ‘guest’ at Kyle’s party to help her.

  Lindsey applied a little makeup; to keep Kyle happy, and she quickly put a few curls through her long wavy hair. Forcing a smile, she faced the mirror again, looking a little more like herself. Now all she needed to do was face her captor, without letting her brain remind her of her submission to him. But her own feverish cries echoed softly in her head. Lindsey was struggling to forget what Kyle had done to her, what he could give her.

  There was a familiar sound from outside, which finally drew Lindsey’s thoughts into the light. She ran to the window and pushed through the blinds, to see two cars pulling up in front of Kyle’s house. Lindsey gasped, covering her mouth. They were getting out of the cars!

  Lindsey started counting the guests as they walked through the gates. She counted two males and one female and she silently watched as they entered the house. It made her jealous to know they could enter and leave as they pleased, whereas she was trapped.

  Lindsey was about to turn away from the window, but more movement caught her eye. She looked outside again, her attention falling on a third man who was just getting out of the car. She watched him, her interest peaking when she saw his face. He was tanned with a chiselled jaw and he had dark brown, chocolate hair. He seemed to glow, setting him apart from the dull, sullen world around him.

  He was different.

  This man walked slower than the rest, taking his time to look around the surroundings whilst the others were already inside. Lindsey’s brow deepened in concentration, she wondered what he was looking for. She toyed with the silver necklace around her neck, reminding her again that she was not free like he was.

  Suddenly the man looked up.

  Lindsey’s heart stopped. Their eyes locked and Lindsey knew right away that he had seen her watching him from the window.

  The man smirked, shaking his head lightly as he continued into the house, walking much faster now. Lindsey gulped; she hoped he wouldn’t tell Kyle she had been watching him. What would he think if he found out? Would he jump to conclusions and punish her?

  Lindsey heard Kyle calling her name from the top of the stairs. She quickly came away from the window and hurried to the door, ruffling up the skirt of her dress before she left the room. She looked up, seeing Kyle waiting for her with a warm smile playing upon his soft lips.

  His hand reached out for hers, beckoning her forward.

  “Come and meet our guests,” he commanded gently.

  Chapter Seven

  Kyle led Lindsey into the middle of the living room. All eyes were upon her, watching her closely as they took in every detail. She felt like a slab of meat on the market and did not like the attention. She bowed her head, and Kyle started to talk.

  “This is my Lindsey,” he said brightly. “She’s just moved in with me.”

  Suddenly smiles erupted on everyone’s faces and the atmosphere quickly burst into light. The young woman jumped up onto her feet and trotted over. To Lindsey’s surprise she threw her arms around her and brought her in close for a tight hug.

  “Kyle has told me all about you!” She chirped. “How romantic!”

  Lindsey raised an eyebrow; to her abduction was not romantic.

  But when the woman continued Lindsey wondered if any of them knew what was actually going on, or had Kyle fed them all lies.

  “You eloped from Scotland to be with our Kyle!” The young woman cried. She smiled energetically, giving Lindsey one last tight hug.

  Lindsey was speechless.

  She looked to Kyle, catching the devious smile he flashed her. Lindsey turned back to the woman, forcing a smile. All she could do was nod, although she wanted to scream.

  “I’m Amber,” the woman smiled. “And it’s really lovely to meet you,” she said with great sincerity. “Perhaps one day we could go shopping together? Although I’ll bet Kyle spoils you somethin
g rotten already! Look at that necklace!”

  Kyle laughed loudly, wrapping his arms possessively around Lindsey’s waist.

  “I would love to go shopping with you,” Lindsey said quietly. Yet deep down, she knew that the shopping day with Amber would never happen.

  “Oh!” Amber cried happily. “I know all the best places!” She promised Lindsey excitedly. “Just give me a ring when you’re free and I’ll come by and pick you up.”

  Kyle pressed a gentle kiss onto Lindsey’s forehead, smiling softly. “Oh you’ll have to tear her away from me first, Amber,” he said.

  Amber laughed, believing it was a joke. But Lindsey knew that Kyle had never been more serious. He would never let her leave him, not even to go shopping. She was his prisoner.

  A man approached them, a man with long light brown hair, which was tied back behind his ears. He smiled strangely, and Lindsey could not tell if it was an overly friendly smile, or a grimace.

  The man reached out, surprising Lindsey by taking her hand. He bowed slightly, placing a cold kiss upon her trembling hand. His eyes flashed dangerously, making Lindsey shudder.

  “I am very glad to meet your acquaintance, Lindsey,” he gleamed.

  Lindsey could tell he was glad to meet her, but not because he was a warm person, she saw straight away this man was different from Amber; he wore a mask, hiding a darkness Lindsey could only sense.

  “Kyle,” the man said suddenly. “May I speak with you?”

  Without hesitation Kyle gave a sharp nod and turned to Lindsey. “Stay here my dear,” he ordered gently. Kyle glanced over his shoulder, throwing a smile to the rest of the guests. “Please acquaint yourself with everyone. It means so much to me that you meet all my friends.”

  He tightened his grip around her, squeezing to warn her.

  Lindsey gave a slow nod and forced a smile. The man cast another odd smile, before quickly sorting his green blazer over his white waistcoat. He turned to follow Kyle, both staying silent until they reached the hallway.

  Lindsey watched them and listened as the front door opened then closed behind. But she did not hear it lock…

  As fast as she could, Lindsey started to edge towards the door. However she was stopped abruptly in her tracks when a figure blocked her path. Lindsey looked up, about to make an excuse to try and get past, but then she was immersed in his warm chocolate eyes, caught by that friendly smile.

  The man extended an arm, offering her his hand. Lindsey took it slowly, letting him shake her hand. He was warm to the touch, unlike the man before and his grasp was gentle, as if he thought she was made of glass.

  “My name is Alec.”

  Lindsey froze, taken back by his rich Russian accent. She blushed heavily, realising they were still holding hands after the long pause.

  Alec laughed lightly, slowly letting her hand go. “Kyle did not say how beautiful you are,” he said in a husky voice.

  Lindsey swallowed deeply, composing herself.

  “It’s really nice to meet you, Alec,” she said with a smile.

  Alec grinned, exposing pearly white teeth. He looked behind him, casting a quick gesture to the silent man with dark purple hair sat on the sofa. “And this is Simon,” Alec told her. “He seems to be playing shy right now.”

  The man stared directly at Lindsey, his cold, blue eyes narrowed. Only then did Lindsey notice he had been watching her the entire time.

  “Hello Lindsey,” was all he uttered before turning to Amber.

  Lindsey frowned deeply, bowing her head slightly. Suddenly the air had chilled.

  Now that everything was quiet Lindsey took her chance and quickly spoke up. “I’ll be right back,” she promised them, squeezing past Alec. But he caught her arm.

  “I have never been to Scotland,” Alec said suddenly.

  Lindsey tried to pull away, but she discovered he was just as strong as Kyle. Roughly, Alec guided her to the armchair, sitting her down. He then stood before her, preventing Lindsey from leaving the chair. Alec’s warm chocolate eyes flickered, full of amusement.

  Lindsey wondered what he was up to, but then there was a noise from the front hallway, followed by the unforgettable voice of Kyle.

  Alec smiled down at Lindsey, awaiting her reply still, and yet that look sent Lindsey’s mind in a whirl. Did he know he had just saved her from making a great mistake?

  “It’s very beautiful,” Lindsey said at last. “Wet, but the grass is always green.”

  Alec laughed playfully, again casting Lindsey that dashing smile. But Lindsey’s mind quickly wandered to the cold, pale hand placed upon hers. She looked up to see Kyle towering over her, his icy blue eyes were scanning her carefully.

  “Darling, could you please fetch me the chocolates from the conservatory?” He asked her politely.

  His eyes gleamed, telling Lindsey that she did not really have a choice in the matter at all. Lindsey forced another smile, giving a quick nod. Rising to her feet, she felt Kyle’s touch slip down, gently grasping below her waist. She moved quickly, her face burning red in reaction to his touch.

  Lindsey could tell that this party was not going to be normal.

  Chapter Eight

  Lindsey sat amongst the group. She was kept by Kyle’s side, displayed like a trophy on the shelf as the group of strangers conversed about the past and the future. Every now and then they tried to include Lindsey. But all she wanted to do was scream in frustration.

  As the day went on, slowly merging into night, more and more guests arrived at the gathering, making it a party. Music echoed around the house and laughter warmed its coldness. Yet Lindsey could not find the party spirit in her heart, not when she wasn’t free. Even when Kyle allowed her to roam the house she felt imprisoned by him. Everywhere she went, he would appear. His eyes were just as cold and calculating as ever before. There was no escape for Lindsey.

  “Do you know where Kyle keeps his keys?” Lindsey had quietly asked a guest, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

  The guest frowned, looking around briefly before he addressed Lindsey again. “No, sorry,” he murmured and disappeared into the crowd without another word.

  Lindsey stared after him, bewildered that this had happened three times in a row. She even made up a story about leaving something in the car, but she had forgotten where Kyle kept the car keys. But no one seemed to know where Kyle kept the house keys, or mind that every door in the house was locked. Lindsey felt she was the only sane player in some sick game Kyle had invented just for her. She was trapped in his world and she was the only person who wanted out.

  Defeated, Lindsey sunk into the sofa in the conservatory. She covered her face with her hands, taking deep, ragged breaths as she tried to compose herself. Kyle would be angry if he saw her cry in front of all his guests.

  “My, is it quiet in here,” said a husky voice.

  Lindsey looked up, quickly wiping the tears from her face with her palms. She smiled forcibly, watching as Alec closed the door behind him. He made his way over, taking a seat next to her. Lindsey hoped he didn’t see how she trembled.

  “You don’t seem to be enjoying the party,” he stated quietly. “Although, you are the talk of the party. The bell of the ball. Have you tired of the limelight?”

  Lindsey bowed her head lightly, smiling as she shook her head. “I am just a little tired, after travelling,” she lied, and yet her mind begged her to blurt out the truth. But what would Alec do if she told him? Perhaps he already knew.

  “Yes, from Scotland,” Alec smiled. He glanced over his shoulder but no one was there; everyone was in the living room, where the music played and drink flowed freely.

  He turned to Lindsey again, this time he wore a determined smile. “I do not buy this love story, my little Lindsey,” he said bluntly.

  Lindsey’s eyes widened, unconsciously giving herself away. She knew that when Alec laughed the illusion Kyle had created of a happy couple was shattered.

  “So what is really going on?” Alec p
ressed eagerly.

  Lindsey looked away, avoiding his blazing eyes. But Alec would not leave her alone.

  “Lindsey,” he said softly, resting his hand onto hers.

  She looked up at him, surprised by how warm he was. Kyle was normally cold. Lindsey felt her cheeks flush and she quickly broke eye contact.

  “You are right, Alec,” she admitted quietly. “Things aren’t what they seem.”

  Alec shuffled a little, moving in closer. Lindsey glanced behind him, seeing him reach into his pocket. She wondered what he was up to but the fast approaching footsteps startled her.

  “He’s holding me captive,” Lindsey said quickly.

  Alec’s eyes widened, he went to talk but Lindsey quickly moved.

  She jumped to her feet, projecting herself away from Alec as fast as possible, just in time to see the door swing open. Kyle took up the doorway and his stormy grey eyes sought Lindsey out swiftly. She watched him carefully, wearing an innocent smile.

  “Kyle,” she greeted softly.

  “Lindsey,” he replied, just as tender. “Come, my dear,” he demanded, reaching out a hand. “I have someone I would very much like you to meet.”

  Lindsey did not hesitate, she hurried over and let Kyle claim her small, dainty hand in his and guide her from the room into the kitchen. Kyle glanced back over his shoulder, casting a strange expression towards Alec. Lindsey could not tell if it were a warning glare or a questioning glance. Either way, Alec fell silent.

  For the rest of the party Lindsey could see that Kyle steered her away from Alec, making sure she conversed with every guest apart from him. Every conversation was the same, as if already penned out.

  “When did you two meet?”